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Iranian Climber Exchange Kicks Off

Posted on: September 13th, 2010 by Erik Lambert

The visiting climbers from the Alpine Club of Iran, with AAC Director Ellen Lapham. Photo courtesy Ellen Lapham.

AAC Director Ellen Lapham reports in as the exchange with the Alpine Club of Iran got underway last week. Stay tuned for the full story about their time in the States, as well as the anticipated AAC trip to Iran in Spring 2011.

“Nine tired climbers from Iran left the San Francisco airport after a long journey from their home. They are all members of the Alpine Club of Iran, which, like the AAC, is a non-governmental organization, they anticipated upcoming days of climbing the Tetons with AAC member guides. But first, they had to continue their long journey over land with AAC member Majid Sabetzadeh as their knowledgeable and very well organized tour host. I was lucky to welcome them for dinner in Auburn, California before they got on the road. We had a feast of stories and excellent food at the historic Latitudes restaurant. A few toasts too.

Alpine/mountain conservation was a key dinner topic. ACI president Abbas Mohammadi is looking forward to meeting with park personnel and climbing rangers in Grand Teton and Yosemite National Parks. To my surprise, he let me know that 300,00-500,000 hikers from Iran ascend the peaks north of Tehran every weekend. Other mountain areas are heavily impacted too, presenting a challenge to those mountaineers who, like their American counterparts, want to preserve and protect the places they love to climb.

More updates to come!”

Ellen Lapham
AAC Director
Chairman, Conservation Committee

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